Sonic, America’s Drive-In, is celebrating the opening of its first Rhode Island drive-in location on Monday, October 26. Whether it’s to delight in experiencing Sonic for the first time, or to merely enjoy the delicious Real Ice Cream Shakes and Premium Beef Hot Dogs, the Rhode Island community is invited to celebrate and dive into a new flavor experience with Sonic.

The new Smithfield Sonic is conveniently located at 393 Putnam Pike by Route 44. The drive in will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight seven days a week.

“We are thrilled to be the first franchisees to bring the Sonic experience to Rhode Island,” says Bob Bowen, franchisee of the new drive in. “The drive-in will feature an indoor dining room to accommodate up to 70 guests, a double drive thru, and a drive-in area with 12 parking stalls for cars to pull in, offering our fans many ways to enjoy Sonic.”

The location already has eager customers arriving hoping to get their first taste of Sonic’s signature menu offerings. Once open, Sonic guests have the privilege of enjoying their breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites all day. Sonic’s customizable options and various made-to-order combinations make it the perfect place to satisfy all cravings.

Rhode Island is the 45th state for the expanding brand, with the Smithfield location being the first to open in the state. Plans to bring two additional drive ins to Rhode Island are in motion as well, with both drive ins expected to open in the next few years. The swiftly growing brand plans to open an additional 50 to 60 new franchise locations across the nation within the next year.

“Our expansion into our 45th state proves that Sonic has grown far beyond the regional player it once was; this opening is not only a milestone but also a stepping stone toward our goal of having a Sonic Drive-In convenient to all guests in the U.S.,” says Drew Ritger, senior vice president of development at Sonic. “Sonic is expanding rapidly through franchise partnerships like this one in Rhode Island, and we are constantly looking for new entrepreneurs interested in becoming a part of a different kind of restaurant concept.”

There are still many opportunities for Sonic to expand through strategic franchise partnerships like this one in New England including Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Sonic offers franchisees flexibility with multiple drive-in formats, including the indoor dining offering especially suited to colder climates.